TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Wiring Sparks 2 Fires

ADVERTISEMENT

By RAY REYES, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

PLANT CITY - When firefighters were called to a fire at 1502 S. Alexander St. on the night of Jan. 2, they determined the blaze was sparked by faulty wiring to a dining room light fixture, officials said.

Fearing that the single-story home might be in danger, firefighters turned off the breaker to the light, advised the people renting the home to spend the night elsewhere and to call an electrician in the morning, Plant City Fire Rescue division Chief Delmar Jackson and Fire Rescue Chief George Shiley said. Firefighters didn't ask Tampa Electric Co. to shut off power to the home because they believed the problem was isolated to a line leading to the light fixture, Jackson said.

Ten hours later, about 7:30 a.m. Thursday, an electrical problem in another light fixture sparked a blaze that tore through the roof and caused $79,000 in damage, Shiley and Jackson said.

The renters, whose names were not immediately available, heeded firefighters' advice and accepted the department's help in getting a place to stay through a local Red Cross chapter, Shiley said.

According to Hillsborough County property appraiser's records, the 1,280-square-foot house was built in 1949 and is owned by George and Pearl Arvai.

Reporter George H. Newman contributed to this report. Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT